Early Learning Teacher Assistant

Description

Vacancy is in the Early Learning Centers of the Department of Families, Children, and Youth. Under supervision, performs a wide range of supportive functions in the operation of the City's Early Learning Center including, but not limited to, creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment; assisting with the implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional activities and the preparation and maintenance of a clean and organized classroom; and fostering strong and positive relationships with the children, parents, and colleagues. Ensures the health, safety, and well-being of children in the program by providing close supervision of all activities and fulfilling mandated reporting obligations as necessary. Assists in the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional activities. Monitors children during classroom activities, including, but not limited to, instructional activities, free play, outdoor play, rest/quiet periods, and meals. Assists during off-site activities and may carry out separate activities for children apart from main group activities. Notifies appropriate personnel of any concerns or unusual behavior observed in the children. Prepares reports and other documents as required to comply with federal, state, municipal, and accrediting agency requirements. Assists with bathroom use and diaper changes. Assists with snack preparation and meal service. Creates and maintains a safe, clean, and organized environment free of hazards and conducive for teaching and learning. Fosters positive relationships with the children by providing support for self-help skills, including, but not limited to, dressing, hygiene, and toilet training. Actively communicates and engages with parents, families, and colleagues through appropriate and approved mediums. Attends meetings and trainings as required.

The above essential duties and responsibilities are not intended as a comprehensive list; they are intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform additional related duties.

This is a 1716 union position. The hours of work for this position are 40 per week.
This is a grant-funded position renewable on an annual basis. The City of Hartford is not obligated to fund this position upon termination of funding.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The examination will consist of a rating of your training and experience as contained on your application and may include a written test, an oral test, a performance test, or a combination thereof. All parts of the examination, including tests and ratings, will be related to the requirements of the position. This examination and employment process are subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations. The examination is designed to measure:

Basic Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of supervising children.
  
• Child development and early childhood education principles.
  
• Health and personal hygiene of children.
  
• Safety precautions within an early learning education environment.
  
• Symptoms of physical and emotional disorders in children.
  

Ability to:

• Instruct children in games, simple crafts, and various play activities;
  
• Maintain order and address minor behavioral problems that arise in children’s activities;
  
• Maintain confidential information and exercise discretion as needed
  
• Understand interact, and respect diverse cultures and perspectives.
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, parents and other employees;
  
• Work independently and implement instructional activities.
  
• Prepare and maintain accurate and detailed records, reports, and data.
  
• Utilize various applications and technology.
  
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for children.
  
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
  

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
Work is performed in and out of classroom settings with multiple children, which may include work in close proximity with staff and students. Outdoor classroom activities may expose staff to inclement weather, dust, allergens, and other outdoor conditions. Work may include noisy environments and exposure to bodily fluids.

May be required to stand, bend, squat, or be seated on the floor for extended periods of time during the workday. Physical demands of this position require the ability to move continuously and quickly, get up and down from the floor on a continuous basis, reach overhead, and move materials for classroom activities. Must have the ability to lift young children and objects up to 50 lbs. Must be able to demonstrate emotional regulation and react to stressful situations in a professional manner.

Qualifications

Open to all qualified applicants who meet the following qualifications:

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
OR
A high school diploma or GED AND one (1) year of experience working with children in a professional setting or child caregiver capacity.

An Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Child Development, Early Childhood Special Education or a closely related field may be substituted for the CDA or the experience requirements listed above.

Licenses; Certifications; Special Requirements:
Must begin process of obtaining the Child Development Associate (CDA) within ninety (90) days of appointment.
Must obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential within twenty-four (24) months of appointment and maintain thereafter.

An employee who fails to obtain the specified certifications within the specified timeframes shall either return to his/her former or comparable permanent position, if available, or be administratively separated.

A COPY OF YOUR DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT MUST BE ATTACHED TO OUR APPLICATION. A DEGREE OR TRANSCRIPT SUBMITTED WILL BE VERIFIED BY THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

If selected, you will be required to pass a physical examination administered by a city physician, a drug and alcohol screening, and a background check. If appointed, you will serve 12 months of probation. This examination and employment process is subject to all federal, state, and municipal laws, rules and regulations.

Other Information

• Application must be completed in its entirety, including required documentation. Applications without proper documentation shall result in your disqualification.
  
• All correspondence and information concerning the application and testing process will occur via email, unless otherwise requested at the time of application.
  
• Please be sure to check your junk and spam email for all recruitment communication.
  
• Applications via facsimile or email are not accepted.
  

EMPLOYMENT PREFERENCES AND LEGAL NOTICES

• Hartford Residency Preferred : Preferably be a bona-fide resident of the City of Hartford at the time of application. A completed City of Hartford Residency Affidavit including proof of residency as indicated on the RESIDENCY AFFIDAVIT may be submitted.
  
• Veteran's Preference Form : Preferential Points may be given to Eligible Veterans. Must submit a Veteran's Preference Form , along with a DD-214 and Disability letter (if applicable) from the Office of Veteran's Affairs.
  
• American With Disabilities Act : The Human Resources Department provides reasonable accommodation to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need accommodation in the application or testing process, please contact the Human Resources Department.
  
• An Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employe r : The City of Hartford is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.
  

Closing Date/Time: 4/22/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

• 

• City of Hartford

• 860-757-9800

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